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Finishing high school but don’t have the qualifications for direct university entry? The International Foundation Programme (IFP) at SOAS University of London is designed for students just like you — especially if you’ve yet to meet the grades for admission, if you haven’t studied a subject relevant to your chosen field or if you simply feel you need another year to develop your skills in writing, reading, sourcing, and language.
There’s never been a better place to pursue such a pathway. SOAS University of London, known as “The World’s University”, is based in the heart of London. It is the sole university in Europe with a unique focus on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, dedicated to amplifying the voices of the silenced and strengthening vulnerable communities. Most importantly, when it comes to equipping young minds from around the world with the tools and knowledge required for future studies, SOAS is experienced – the IFP has been around since 1985.
“It provided a structured and engaging learning experience that helped me readapt and regain my academic skills,” says student Lyly. “The teaching methods were highly effective, preparing me with critical thinking and active participation, which greatly contributed to my learning experience.”
For student Savannah, joining was more about getting a better feel of uni life. “The foundation year was especially useful in providing a multi-dimensional way of engaging with the content through lectures, tutorials, and independent study,” she says.
SOAS University of London is one of the UK’s top 30 universities, according to the Times Good University Guide 2024. Source: SOAS University of London
“I found Academic English and our writing assignments were very helpful in improving my approach to structuring arguments and getting more comfortable with writing. Overall, the foundation year provided great guidance on how to organise revision time, course topics and best utilise the school’s resources.”
Live classes here take the form of weekly tutorials, and one-to-one support meetings are complemented by English support classes — nothing less is expected of a programme that welcomes learners from across the globe. Regardless of their backgrounds or aspirations, SOAS prepares students for their next step by immersing them in it. In fact, all teaching is done by SOAS staff, which explains the personalised attention IFP students rave about.
“The professors were truly incredible — knowledgeable, engaged, and genuinely invested in our understanding and academic growth,” says Savannah. “They were always available to answer questions and help us understand the university system and how best to approach our studies.”
Such guidance is crucial for students determined to solidify their calling. The IFP makes this easy by offering a variety of subjects, spanning international law, politics, media, communication, and business studies.
Students in the programme who progress onto an undergraduate degree at SOAS receive a 20% discount in their first year. Source: SOAS University of London
Savannah found the inclusion of modules like Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics, alongside Development Studies and Introduction to Business Studies and Economics, particularly beneficial. Lyly, on the other hand, felt modules like Politics, Law, Media, and Understanding the Modern World were instrumental in preparing her for the BSc in International Relations she’s currently pursuing.
The Online IFP features live classes where you can interact with your instructors in real time. You’ll also exchange views with students from around the world, and conduct research for assignments with materials from
Perhaps the best part of all is that regardless of how you choose to pursue the IFP, you will be guaranteed entry into SOAS’s undergraduate programmes — as long as you achieve the required academic and language requirements. If you’re looking to apply to a different UK university, however, then SOAS staff provides full support through the process. Several graduates have landed acceptance to various top-ranked universities across the UK and beyond. It’s easy to understand why — many UK universities attest to the IFP’s value.
If this is the strong foundation to a great UK undergraduate degree that you’re looking for, then learn more about the International Foundation Programme at SOAS today.
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